April in the Midlands can be tricky. The sun shines, but the wind still feels like winter. The pitches start to harden, and the mud turns to dust. The way the ball bounces becomes unpredictable.
For Ethan, April represented moving from "Rookie" to "Regular."
Matchday 12: WBA U18 vs. WOLVES U18
This was the rematch. Back in September, Ethan had played his third game for the club and had been pushed around by the Wolves' midfield. He got muscled off the ball, outpaced, and substituted after 55 minutes. That experience sparked the "Red Plan."
Today, standing in the tunnel, Ethan faced the same Wolves midfielder who had bullied him. This time, the boy didn't seem so intimidating. He was just another opponent.
The game was tight, a tactical stalemate typical of a local derby. But this time, Ethan was not just going along for the ride. He was in control.
When Wolves pressed, Ethan didn't panic. He shielded the ball with his body, absorbed the contact, and spun away. He managed the pace, slowing things down when West Brom needed a break and speeding them up when Tyrell made a run.
Ethan didn't score or assist. But when the final whistle blew, marking a 1-0 victory thanks to a tap-in from Harvey, Gareth made sure to shake Ethan's hand first.
"You ran that game," the manager said. "You had complete control. You've grown up, Matthews."
Ethan entered the changing room, taking off his wrist tape. He glanced at the U18 table. They were now 4th, having passed Wolves. The top four finish, the goal Gareth had set after their cup exit, was within reach.
Despite his satisfaction, Ethan's thoughts drifted to Eastfield.
In the Crestwood changing room, the tense atmosphere was heavy.
Matchday 12: Crestwood vs. Harrington (Won 4-0) Matchday 13: Northbridge vs. Crestwood
They had easily defeated Harrington, with Callum scoring a hat-trick against the team at the bottom of the table. Now, they faced their next challenge: Northbridge Away.
Northbridge had a reputation for drawing matches. They sat deep, frustrated teams, and aimed for 0-0.
"Riverton are winning," Mason said at halftime as he checked his phone. "They're up 3-0 against Greenford. If we draw this, the gap shrinks to one point."
"Don't check the score!" Callum snapped, pacing the cramped room. "We need to focus on our game!"
The second half felt like torture. Crestwood relentlessly attacked Northbridge, but the goal remained elusive. Shots hit the post, and the keeper made incredible saves. It seemed like luck was against them.
88 minutes. 0-0.
If the score stayed the same, they would only be one point ahead going into the final match against Riverton. A draw would no longer be enough.
"Mason!" Coach Shaw yelled. "Get up top! Route One!"
Mason left his midfield position and charged into the box, becoming an improvised target man.
In the 91st minute, Ryan sent a desperate cross into the mix. It was high and floated in the wind.
Mason timed his jump perfectly. He used his strength to push aside the Northbridge center-back, creating just enough space. As the ball came down, he didn't head it. Instead, he chested it down, shielding it from the keeper, and turned.
He struck the ball on the volley. It wasn't perfect. It skimmed off his shin, hit the ground, and arched agonizingly over the goalkeeper's fingertips.
GOAL.
1-0 Crestwood.
The celebrations were subdued by exhaustion. They didn't pile on top of each other; they just sank to their knees. They had made it through.
Later that evening, the video call felt tense.
Ethan was in his room. Callum and Mason sat on the hood of Mason's mum's car in the Crestwood parking lot, watching the sunset.
"So that's it," Callum said, his voice tight. "One game left."
"The table," Mason said, holding up a piece of paper.
1. Crestwood - 35 pts (GD +16)
2. Riverton - 32 pts (GD +29)
"Riverton won 6-0 today," Mason said grimly. "Their goal difference is ridiculous. If we lose next week..."
"...we lose the league on goal difference," Ethan finished. "We'll be level on points but second on goals."
"We just need a draw," Callum said, trying to sound confident but struggling. "A draw away at Riverton. We can do that."
"Riverton has scored 37 goals in 13 games," Ethan pointed out gently. "Playing for a 0-0 draw might backfire."
"We know," Mason sighed. "But if we open up, they'll counter us. It's going to be a strategic match, a tough, muddy battle."
Ethan checked his schedule. The West Brom U18 season had one game left—Leeds United at home on Saturday at 11:00 AM.
Crestwood vs. Riverton was set for a 3:00 PM kickoff on Saturday.
"I'm coming," Ethan said suddenly.
Callum looked up, surprised. "What?"
"We play Leeds in the morning," Ethan calculated the times. "If I finish at 12:45, and my mum picks me up, I can make it to Riverton by 2:30. I can be there for kickoff."
"You'd really do that?" Mason asked. "After playing 90 minutes?"
"I'm not missing this," Ethan said firmly. "I was there when we started. I want to see you finish."
Callum grinned, the tension easing for a moment. "Bring your boots. Maybe we can sneak you in with a wig and pretend you're a transfer student."
"I think the 'Red Plan' might give me away," Ethan laughed. "That shirt doesn't fit anymore."
"Just be there," Mason said. "We'll need the support."
"I'll be there," Ethan promised.
He ended the call. The stage was set. West Bromwich Albion was his job and future. But Crestwood? Crestwood was his passion. And next Saturday, he was going to watch his passion go to battle.